
Copyright N" 

COEXRIGHT DEPOSm 



THE SEASONS 



BY 



CHESTER ARTHUR ALLEN 




BOSTON 
RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



Copyright, 1922, by Chester A. Allen 
All Rights Reserved 






Made in the United States of America 



Press of J. J. Little & Ives Company, New York, U. S. A. 



^'^^ >^ 1922 



©C1A686283 

^0 I 



TO THE MEMORY OF 
MY FATHER AND MOTHER 

LEROY D. ALLEN 
MARY BENAWA ALLEN 



CONTENTS 

SPRING 



PAGE 



CHAPTER 

I March— Signs of Spring 9 

II Philosophy from Nature lO 

III March Storm n 

IV March Landscapes— Flooded River . . I2 
Philosophy 13 

V Maple-Sugar Season I4 

VI April 15 

Spring Parades in Triumph: Philosophy 16 

VII April— Marsh Voices i? 

VIII Easter i7 

Philosophy from Easter 18 

IX Fishing 19 

X May, the Month of Blossoms .... 19 

XI When the Leaves Appear .... 20 

Philosophy 21 

3 



Contents 



CHAPTER PAGE 

XII May Landscapes 2i 

Husbandry of Garden and Fowls . . 22 

SUMMER 

I June 24 

Songs, Nests 24 

II Children's Day 25 

III Picnic 26 

IV Bathing 26 

V Queen of the Year 27 

VI Storm 27 

VII July— Harvest 29 

VIII Growing Time 30 

Rain 30 

IX August, the Month of Wild-Life Voices 31 

X August Landscapes 31 

AUTUMN 

I September Landscapes 32 

II October Landscapes 33 

III Philosophy from Nature 34 

IV Forest in November 35 

4 



Contents 



WINTER 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I December Snowstorm 36 

December Landscape 37 

Christmas 37 

II Philosophy from Christmas .... 38 

III Spirit of Christmas is Spirit of Democracy 38 
Spirit of Democracy 39 

IV The Purpose of Democracy .... 40 

Marshal Foch 40 

America's Light 41 

V January — New Year Resolutions . . 42 

How Different Modern Man .... 43 

VI February 44 

Indications of the Winter Closing . . 44 

Conclusion 45 



THE SEASONS 



THE SEASONS 

SPRING 

I 

MARCH — SIGNS OF SPRING 

The sun has been enroute his longer course 

For many winter days. And often now 

Apollo very late his daily ride 

Begins. It looks as if he hesitates 

In fear of being lost in mist and fog. 

At times such dimness overhangs the day, 

It seems this god must safe in dreamland be. 

The changes come of snow, fine sleet, and rain, 

And sunshine chasing frosty work: but still 

A northern slope, or fence has fringe of snow ; 

And through the timber-land are scattered rows 

Of green stove-wood all uniform in height. 

The heaps of brush, the thickly sprinkled chips 

And sawdust, bared from their wintry bed 

Are tokens bright the season has fulfilled 

Its usual flow of snow-capped days. With cheer, 

Anticipation overflows to star 

Our timber friends. White-breasted nuthatch ; jay; 

The chickadee; and noisy flicker, breast 



The Seasons 



With crescent black ; unwary creeper brown ; 

Our friendly robin; towhee on the ground; 

And all the squirrels at play, — appear to look 

Instinctively ahead, rejoicing all 

The time, and often much impatience feel 

That budding days should tarry, longing more 

For leafy season, secret nooks to drink 

And bathe, and summer's playground, woods and 

field. 
The changes blithe are spoken through the air. 
A sprite awakens buds on sturdy limbs, 
On twigs, the louder calls to seeds and roots 
So snugly covered under ground, and throbs 
Its welcome age-old vision — dawn of Spring. 



PHILOSOPHY FROM NATURE 

What way should forces, forged in mild or grand 
Display of outer world affect the soul? 
By whom controlled — the life and beauty shown 
To thrill us with delight? What worthiness. 
Significance have natural beauty, laws 
Of nature? Read their meaning, find their worth 
Through what we do with things about our sphere. 
Since God controls with regularity 
The change of seasons' rule, they govern bold. 
And each one's disposition, sentiments 
Expressed through laws whose regularity 
lO 



spring 

Should teach us how, a justness all divine 
Pervades the soul of earth, suggests a search 
For many leading principles. For God 
Is just, and justice triumphs everywhere. 
All forms of energy should be to us 
Like open books to teach a part of God. 



Ill 

MARCH STORM 

Old Winter's age-long jealousy is roused 

By threatening reign of "Boyhood of the year." ^ 

Incensed, when Spring is promising: a strong 

West wind brings fleecy clouds at first, a mass 

Of dark snow-laden ones then follow hard. 

In fearless manner come the flurries first, 

Like skirmishers of mighty armies, till 

The falling storm is thick enough to hide 

From view the objects near at hand. The snow 

Is flung in piercing clouds of ev'ry shape, 

Is formed in streams by blinding wind that picks 

The fallen blanket, hurling it again. 

With increased force it writhes in battle groups 

With mighty foes. The moans and whistles heard 

In tree tops, 'round the buildings, sound like cries 

From wounded men, and trumpet call to charge. 

It speeds along or slackens, sending down 

* Tennyson. 
II 



The Seasons 



In mad uncertain rush, battalions close 

In rank. Aeolus seems descending, bent 

On endless fury. Smoth'ring plains which close 

Together nestling seek protection. Proud 

Are trees when swayed as ne'er before. The gale 

Howls more as night draws near. When darkness 

falls 
The mind half dreams — the frozen hills are torn 
From their foundations, ground to powder, hurled 
Upon resistant world. Aquilo's troops 
Now charge, now run, or circle round a hill 
Or building, rush a flanking movement brave. 
The struggles far and near, the drowsy hours 
Impress like echoes, faint or clear. The ground 
On western slopes is coldly bare. White gems 
Are piled in masses great. Aeolus wroth 
At failing to dislodge the hills, assailed 
Direct, has heaped the flakes, endeavoring 
To crowd the hillocks from eternal rest. 
In rigid whiteness lies the Arctic field. 
The brook is arched in self-protection, holds 
A cavern roof of twining crystal form; 
With deep-cut ripples ponds and lakes are spread 
From shore to shore with sparkling handy frost. 



MARCH LANDSCAPES FLOODED RIVER 

The sprite of Spring is not with glaive overcome ; 
12 



spring 

Is quick to send successive warmer days 
Against oppressive rule. He turns the snow 
To thousand rills which trickle down the hill 
In last retreat to fill the swamps, and ponds, 
Glad brooks and creeks to manifold their nat'ral 

size ; 
Uncurtains green wheat mats, sward brown of last 
Year's pasture, meadow, dark and yellow mud 
That bristles stalks of corn and weeds. The net 
Work water courses glen our land, enjoy 
Their freedom, show that they are much alive 
And quick to use the strength they have. A flood 
Corralled in river channel foams stampede 
In massive volume reaching upward, wroth 
To wrestle with a bridge, resisting man's 
Attempt to span its aged course. It pours 
Along with icy hammers battering, 
Or sweeps whatever man or Providence 
May leave within its grasp, can spread upon 
The bottom land a rising lake which swamps 
The lowland hut, or levee breaks to free 
Itself to roam its delta haunts of yore. 



PHILOSOPHY 

Our dial which sends through frigid space its rays 
Will melt the crystals seven for rivulet; 
The power driving rivers down their way, — 
Should make us think of our Creator's will, 
Awaken us to read a purpose — seen 

13 



The Seasons 



To constantly reflect to mortal man, 

"Lest we forget — lest we forget" ^ our God. 



MAPLE-SUGAR SEASON 

When only lines of soil-marked snow remain 

In open field to show where glittering 

Unfolded banks were shaped, the farmer with 

His help will often wade in slush to tap 

The sugar maple. Daily trips are made 

With team on barrel sled, to gather sap. 

For buckets must be kept from overflow. 

The central interest is ever round 

The camp. A glimpse of rising steam is sought, 

For habit prompts to wondering, if all 

Is well with fire and pans? There's something 

fresh 
With each returning trip — the fire rebuild, 
The feeder fill, and skim the whitened pans 
Of boiling, vapor-clouded sap which needs 
A watching that increases ever while 
It sweetens, thickens, darkens, nears the time 
For syruping-off — the happy climax rounds 
The day — extinguish partly fires, remove 
With steady hand the pan to margin skid, 
Well dip of hot transparent liquid joy, 
Replace, refill, another round begins. 
No grand repast is more enjoyed than meals 

* Kipling. 
14 



spring 

At noon on peaceful days when gathered round 
The big arch door — potatoes, eggs, both wrapped 
In paper wet to roast In ashes hot, 
To eat with sandwiches, hot coffee, sauce. 
Warm doughnuts, corn bread, cookies, leeks, and 

pie, 
And syrup fresh. Such appetizing w^ork 
In opening Spring is filled with pleasures rare — 
Review advance oi "Boyhood of the year." 
Each step is clearly seen and felt. From now 
Until the snow returns the daily pulse 
Of nature may be seen to measure change. 

VI 

APRIL 

On sprightful days when southern slopes begin 
To green, but sap continues fresh, the woods 
Are filled with active merry life; the crows 
Are heard in distance, one or sev'ral fly 
Occasionally over tree tops near 
And caw alarm ; the piercing cry of hawks 
Is often echoed through the timber; raps 
Of woodpeckers in search of food sound loud 
Tattoo for denizens of woods; above 
The other chimes are scolding squirrels near. 
Uneasy like the crow^ and jay. Combined 
These voices waken muse for one who loves 
The call of woodland life and beauty. Spring 
Has conquered; earliest of flowers come. 

15 



The Seasons 



The sugar season glides away, but leaves 
One pleasant memories while watching day 



SPRING PARADES IN TRIUMPH! 
PHILOSOPHY 

By day unfolding life of animals 

And plants. We gather first hepatica, 

Anemone; the adder's tongue precedes 

The trillium and hosts of blossoms sweet 

Which takes their colors matched from rainbow 

base. 
The wood is sprinkled quaint with flowers which 
In silence greet returning summer birds, 
And cheer on those migrating north, to keep 
Them in a singing mood, that we may hear 
Their songs. For in each song as in each bird 
Is represented some idea clear 
Of God, is some suggestion — How would He 
Have us obey and think of Him? From Him, 
His works, to look for inspirations clear, 
From nature's moods^ — her tenderness, caress, 
Her freshness, sympathy, and hopefulness — 
Pursue the course which gives improvement most. 
Discordant life, its pangs and vampire moods, 
Ensnare so unaware, when nat'ral laws 
Are disobeyed. Oh, look, and see what may 
Be seen ! For ev'ry positive has its 
Deceitful negative. The soul should be 
Made stronger by each opening of the year. 
i6 



Sprinff 



VII 
APRIL MARSH VOICES 

The greetings, praise of early flowers, is joined 
By aeon-practised welcome from the marsh. 
When each day's warmth and sunshine freshens 

grass 
On southern slopes, this chorus comes in all 
Its glory ; swells out full and clear, fills out 
With harmony the silent morning hours. 
This frogling chorus all day long resounds 
Continually over timbered hill 
And dale; reechoes o'er the rolling field. 
When mirrored stars are spread around the rush, 
The osier bush, the moor-grown tree, the bog, 
The mossy stub, and moon-timed shadows pass 
Across the still or roughened water roof 
In clear dream-light that rovers love so well. 
These silent hours are robbed of gloominess 
By merry rounds of voices pealing forth 
From lakes, and rivers, swamps, and meadow 

ponds — 
These praisers are the season's trumpeters. 

VIII 

EASTER 



At Eastern service is retold in song, 
In sermon, recitation — Christ is ours ; 

17 



The Seasons 



iHas risen o'er the tomb; He died for us; 
He lives for us; Redeemer who has set 
His cross on high ; defeated death ; is now 
The source of all our blessing, life and hope ; 
Forgives, consoles; our beacon light across 
Dark waters. He reveals to us a law 
Of life superior to death — set not 
Aside, uncovers universal law. 
Sanhedrin seal and Roman guards in vain, 
Attempt to hide our light in rock-bound tomb. 



PHILOSOPHY FROM EASTER 

Unlocking charnel house has come to us 

In northern clime when Spring unlocks the buds. 

The reawakening, golden soul is close 

Akin to reawakening nature — live ! 

Enjoy! oh, not exist! The empty crypt 

At time of life reviving argues depth 

Which well considered shows how Providence, 

In striking grandest harmony, has played; 

Phenomena returned, phenomena 

Which sound the song of God's unchanging law. 

For aeons Spring has come and gone, the globe 

A sepulcher has been. The highest scale 

Of life gets many visions clear of God's 

Own heart. And ever when the Spring shall hang 

Her smiles, reechoing the chord upon 

Forgetful man, may hope grow wise and sure. 

i8 



spring 

IX 

FISHING 

Our friendly fisherman is seen around 
The many lakes and streams as well as he 
Who seldom prides himself to take the swift, 
And scaly, slippery, staring wights away 
From mirror home. The sportsman, toiler seeks 
For swimmers that will make a fine repast. 
If he must homeward turn without his luck. 
He almost feels the day is sadly lost. 



MAY, THE MONTH OF BLOSSOMS 

The days are marked with fresh and suluy air. 

Although our God through his estate has been 

Most clearly speaking, opening secrets too ; 

He gives sublimity to us again 

When many plants put forth in clusters, blooms 

From every twig, whose beauty rivals claim 

To charm w^hen they were burdened downy bright 

With fleecy cloud of winter's snow. Allured, 

Approach the downy trees. A muffled sound, 

A perfumed air will bring delight. Aglow 

With springtide vision to discover joy 

Anew and freshen old sensations, one 

Is drawn within the influence of blooms 

And their dependent army — honeybees, 

19 



The Seasons 



And bumblebees found searching one by one 
Each pollen cup. The blossoms swarm with life. 
The journeys short of bumblebee are known 
By buzzing loud. All o'er the trees in search 
Of nectar, pebble-like black bodies near 
At hand arrest attention most ; both these 
And speck-like ones a little farther off, — 
Are darting back and forth a foot or more. 
The hum continuous, companioned with 
Aroma, sense of energy, and life 
In spheres apart from man, awakens praise. 



XI 

WHEN THE LEAVES APPEAR 

There comes again the royal garb of "God's 

First temples" ^ casting shadows dense and deep 

Like shades which fill the cave of bruin staunch. 

The stock-browsed heavy timber which extends 

Along the pasture field, is overlapped 

With grass. Below the lower branches thick, 

It's dark with many shelters. Climbing vines 

And heavy foliage above a line 

Of darkness, matched with sodded field, with hues 

Of darker shades; combined with grandeur blue 

Of cloud-patched sky, — the scene may rouse the 

soul. 
In entering the shade of nature's room 
Of richest draperies, all curtained, screened 
^ Tennyson. 
20 



Spriiig 

Beyond description, ev'ry bending twig 
A hammock forms, and ev'ry leafy branch 
Partition makes, one hears the voices, not 
As called in naked woods, but mellowed score 
By leafage dense which waves in Maia's breeze. 
To walk along the banks where flowers had grown, 
Were gathered near one's shadow ; follow paths 
And sap-boat roads,— and delve the question : What 



PHILOSOPHY 

Could build a service elevating more 

Its influence? As God provides a time 

For plants to grow, and yearly clothes the trees 

With newborn leaves; then how much more should 

man 
Who has the privilege of choosing his 
Activities, controlling his few thoughts. 
Be sure that he is child of light and truth? 
His newborn soul each natural object sees 
As thought of God, a kindly plan divine. 



XII 
MAY LANDSCAPES 

The various delightful emeralds 
From fields where grow the darker wheat, the 
grass 

21 



The Seasons 



And rye of brighter stain, and oats with still 
A lighter hue, the scatt'ring shade trees, all 
Allied with timid changing forest shades, — 
Are sharply cut from fields of gray, and black. 
And orange soil where sprouts the maize. The 

crow 
And blackbird feast on corn destructive grubs. 
The crow too often plucks the youngest shoots 
To get the softened kernel — toll too great 
For good it does. The dew a gladness brings 
To farmer keen when he begins his work. 
His heart throbs faster, cheered by sprightfulness 
Of lambkins gamboling on morning sheen. 
Shorn sheep may whiten lea where they have been 
Since early dawn most busy feeding, lodged. 
In heat of day they bleach the shade. The forms 
Of lying, standing cattle, colored clear 
From brindles, black, and white, and red, to those 
Attired with all these colors on one coat. 
Are seen in friendly cover out of sun; 
The horses' arching forms lend grace to field 
While hiding well from burning rays, — they too 
As well as kine keep stamping, switching flies 
Which flock of cowbirds, hopping now and then 
On ground so near the stock, find easy fare. 



HUSBANDRY OF GARDEN AND FOWLS 

At farmer's home 'tis flood-tide time of year — 
The garden full, big broods of chickens, ducks, 
22 



spring 

And geese, shy turkeys, guineas, pigs, — all need 
Attention, boast their hearty growing, smack 

Of palatable dish on festive board 

The Fourth, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's 

Day, 
And ev'ry favored dinner country round. 



23 



SUMMER 
I 

JUNE 

"All green and fair the summer lies 
Just budded from the bud of spring." ^ 
From early dawn to set of sun, the day 

SONGS, NESTS 

Is full of merry songs. When summer sound 
Is all the SAveeter, matched, securely set 
In leafy branches, some may reach far out. 
Protected well from sight above, below, 
There nestles home within which soon will be 
The greedy nestlings for two vigilant 
And happy toilers. Insects, worms, fruit wild 
Contribute strength to warm and grow our kin 
In feathers. Morning after morning, while 
The sun fast drinks the dew ; and breezes sway 
The limbs, — a chorus rings, not only sung 
To nest so snug in ground, or bush, or tree 
Top towering high, or dug in rotten stub. 
To listeners in ev'ry place, while swift 
And swallow twitter flitting through the sky. 

^ Susan Coolidge. 

24 



Sui 



At night the silence — broken near and far 
By rustling leaves, the voice of ov^^l, or train, 
And tread of creatures doubly fond of shade 
Of earth — is passed under guardian wings. 
When days are hot and dusty, breezes cool 
Will rock these cradles, hammocks made for w^ild. 



II 

children's day 

On Children's Day, the boys and girls amid 

The garlands, mottoes, palms, bouquets, and large 

White lilies, sit in groups arranged for proud 

Occasion — faces bright, and flowers bright. 

All decorations prove but symbols small, 

Of interest for w^hich the day is kept. 

What pride and pleasure swells the heart to hear 

The smaller ones take part in praises for 

Ideals of merit? Hark the shortest song. 

Or recitation, follow longer ones 

Of juniors, seniors, choir, or any part 

The day commands, the int'rest never stops. 

And oft' a wee one never heard before, 

Will bring the most delight. Parental joy 

The deepest goes to see the yearly growth 

That blooms, so quickly measured Children's Day. 



25 



The Seasons 



III 

PICNIC 

The river bank, or lake, or ocean front, 

Artd silent forest tenderly invite 

All toilers coma, and find agreeable 

Excitement, pleasures yield to noble end. 

Relax, the cobwebs clear away, expand 

The chest, electrify the nerves, refine 

The senses, share your joys with souls of truth. 

To picnic-makers laughing water breaks 

To dimples, openly reveals, pours out 

"A song of a vast unrest," ^ repeats, approves 

Of pleasures, shares enjoyments worthy, gives 

To body, mind, and soul a vigor, depth. 

And nobleness preparative to live 

A grand and noble life. New friends and old 

Meet happily to talk. The frolic, feast 

Of day, with group and team matcb.ed games will 

help 
To make of business pleasure, show that joys 
Aright will always breathe the cnoicest pearls. 

IV 
BATHING 

The quiet pool seems always welcome gleam 
To happy bathers, linger, splash, and dive, 

^William Hayne, in "A Sea Lyric." 
26 



Summer 



To let the peace of scene pass into soul — 
Its meeting nature, boon companion meets 
Companion. Watch, take part in play, and it 
Will fill the heart with joy of summer day. 



QUEEN OF THE YEAR 

All ranks of plants from trees, and clover thick. 

Obnoxious weeds have blossoms sipped of dew 

And richest nectar. Blackbird, meadow-lark, 

And robin, grackle, sparrow, other friends, 

In legions, many species brooding bliss. 

On pleasant mornings oriole, which weaves 

A hanging nest, will call from hidden perch 

In thick leaved trees about the lawn and sward. 

The luscious strawberry will introduce 

The fruits and vegetables seasonable. 

A June-bug wings his way as well on dark 

As on a moon-lit night. The freshened air. 

The heavy leaves, the fragrant flowers, sky 

Of rose and purple, call of whippoorwill, 

With evening stars, make perfect twilight hours 

Which sound in tune with daylight's golden chain. 

VI 
STORM 

The diverse scenes of opening summer show 
How God is roused to clothe the naked earth. 

27 



The Seasons 



Succeeding balms of sunbeams, zephyrs, mists, 

Are blessings easily attributed 

To God, but God is ev'rywhere. Detect 

A coming storm by heavy colors seen 

To rise above the distant line of earth 

And sky. A gale begins while overhead 

A mass of floating monarchs, outlined dark 

Against the lighter vapor, sail on. 

Thin clouds of dust are ever being raised 

From sun-burned road, and field of clover dry, 

Until the air appears smoke-laden. Like 

The waves of sea, the standing wheat and hay, 

Is dipping, swelling, lightens, darkens. Trees 

With branches wincing wild from blast turn shades 

Of lighter green. The flashes come in chains 

Against the mountain background, followed soon 

By cannonading guns of siege. A space 

Of gray, of even width extends above 

Horizon, climbs in darker sky, and just 

Before arriving, heralds itself by gust 

Of stronger temper. Giant drops at first 

Come single handed, followed close by host 

Of streams that splash and dash, and grow in force 

Until with summer's courage ranks are filled. 

If toiler's prayers are answered, fields have rime, 

Awakened souls that clothe the soil with cheer. 



28 



Summer 

VII 
JULY — HARVEST 

These changing thrilling acts so full of wealth 
Continue. Clover blossoms fragrantly 
Will call the mower, hay-rake. Nodding grain 
Deprived of fragrant mead, a lighter shade 
Will turn, anticipating harvest hot, 
Until inviting golden field it stands. 
The blackbird, robin, jay make frequent trips 
To crimson cherry trees as long as crop 
Will last; then other songsters aid to take 
Their own from raspberry, the elder bush. 
The blackberry, as each one ripens. Fruit 
And grasshoppers with sip from bubbling spring 
Are turned to merry songs. A burning sun 
May hasten harvest. Clatter hardly ends 
Of gliding swath machine before the hum 
Of binder starts. The golden wheat a last 
Salute will wave to neighbor field of oats 
As yet untouched by age. A week or two 
Of glowing days, however, changes them 
To harvest color. Soon they too will fall 
Before the reaper, graceful, bow adieu 
To stalwart corn intensely growing ears. 
The heavy maize is dark as waves of sea, 
And truly crest with downy tassels bright. 



29 



The Seasons 



VIII 
GROWING TIME 

Cerulean the sky brings ardent rays 
Which beat and linger, fill our atmosphere 
With throbbing fervid waves of life which warm 
To zealous work the apple, plum, and peach, 
The walnut, beech, the hickory, and oak. 
The pumpkin, squash, and watermelon vines 
Are spreading wide to raise delicious fruits. 
A throng of our herbaceous friends have come 
And gone, but leave as hostage apt return, 
Reflective thoughts, that each year brings to us 
Their happy season. Faydom sturdy grove 
And forest where the wood-thrush merry sings 
As clear as if 'twas sung by nymph herself. 



RAIN 

Bland wit of Thor oft aids activity, 

Pervades the world of growing plants, outwits 

The harbinger of fall whose gelid breath 

Has often come so fatally upon 

This kingdom unaware. The apples first 

To ripen bring enjoyment fond, but when 

Varieties are many, juicy foods 

Are deftly made, surpassing Eve's repast 

In garden where first labored thinking man. 



30 



Summer 

IX 

AUGUST, THE MONTH OF WILD-LIFE VOICES 

Displeasing, noisy locust warns of drought 

In heat of day. The red-winged blackbird finds 

The heavy ripening maize. As sun goes down 

They noisily will gather round the swamp 

Elm, willow, alder bush — here seek a night's 

Repose. We do not lack for company 

When earth's dark mantle spreads, for cricket 

fluts 
Its metered cheer quite ready ; katydid 
Tones o'er and under, rapid jazzy forte 
That leads the midnight summer symphony. 
Serenest wild-life serenade of year 
Is versed throughout the pleasing slumber hours. 



AUGUST LANDSCAPES 

The brassy oatfield stubble turns to rolls 
Of dusty ground. And desert-like the mead 
And pasture look beside the restful woods. 
Refreshed the "thirsty ground" ^ regains its hue 
Original. The garden well fulfills 
Its promise. Orchards, vineyards welcome give 
In loads of their own prize deliciousness. 

^ Tennyson. 
31 



AUTUMN 



SEPTEMBER LANDSCAPES 

When eye of heaven shortens arc until 

The larking time for owl, and bats, or coon, 

And undisturbed south flight of water fowl 

Is equal-houred to Phoebus' rule supreme, 

The friendly heat in moving south, new life 

In other spheres to waken, opens way 

For frosty nights. The maize shocks increase each 

Fair day. The young wheat daily grov/s. At last 

In unresisting calm which stars or moon 

Are left to watch, a frozen vapor creeps 

Upon the earth as through an open door. 

This fairy painting whitens over fields, 

The fences, trees, and roofs, and all the things 

Exposed, until their speciousness confirms 

The thought, 'tis star dust, star dust sprinkled here. 

If light or heavy frost, do gems above 
Grow less in luster nymph's when flowering comes? 
The sun keeps ever bright, itself to plate 
With sparkling down the elfs had spread to play 
Upon, and swift returns to paint the leaves 
Its choicest shades of orange, red, and brown. 
The tresses frisk of bushes, trees in groups 
Or trees alone, and forest stand aglow. 
32 



Autumn 



When matched with fields of green, the cloud- 
patched sk)^ 
And cornfields bristling shocks or stalks, present 
A many colored landscape scene which basks 
In smiles of autumn sun. If sought and grasped 
For love of its suggestions deep, the spell 
Of peace, contentment, whither it be found, 
To heart communing nature kindles quick. 



II 

OCTOBER LANDSCAPES 

On sunny days, the horizon near and far 

Is partly lined with timber, partly lined 

With rolling fields. All distant colors blend, 

Obscured by veil of hazy film. The green 

And barren ground is intermingled craft 

With unscreened gray of upper trunks and limbs 

In near-by wood contrast with orange, red. 

And brown of what few leaves remain to form 

The variegated patches, thicker hung 

In lower half of ever cheering woods. 

The smoky dawn and varied flame-cloud east 

Of dreamy days that end in flame-patched west 

And twilight haze, are interrupted now 

And then, in warning season's close, by heralds 

Of rain, and wind that pick the leaves which have 

Not fallen, nor been coaxed to whirl, or sail, 

Or dart away in playful breeze. In banks 

33 



The Seasons 



The summer verdure, glory piled by wind, 
Profusely carpets, weaves autumnal pride 
On floor of timber land, in shades which vie 
With pledge when rainbow arches full. 



Ill 

PHILOSOPHY FROM NATURE 

Although the autumn bravely paints upon 

The sky her fame, 'tis gorgeous all the year: 

Kaleidoscopic aspect greetings speak 

Of Deity to minds intelligent. 

The hours of changing clouds have eloquence 

That matches man, a tenderness so full 

Of spiritual — moving art divine. 

And when the hours of deep blue canopy 

Are spread, sublimity of cloudless sky 

So pure and beautiful, has always shown 

That God alone in heavens may be seen. 

Another herald wishing Maker's praise. 

Is voice of thunder which is echoed cloud 

To cloud in rumble. Why o'erlook so great 

A part? For God is teaching many ways. 



34 



Autumn 



IV 

FOREST IN NOVEMBER 

When trees are foliage stript for winter blasts, 
And cleaned of shack by squirrels, they remain 
In drowsy silence — show their sturdy arms. 
The pine with all its emerald is fresh 
And cosy; cedar, spruce, and hemlock keep 
Their aquamarine, and also house within 
Their deepest many denizens of wild ; 
For here much more than found in naked woods 
The gales of winter barred out, with hint 
Of southern home from thicket evergreen, 
Where spiral stairways, frequent landings, aisles 
Profoundly winding, zigzag vestibules 
Incite to rooms of sundry size and shape 
Antiquely columned. Thatching thicker grows, 
The lower lines are traced from towering tops. 



35 



WINTER 



DECEMBER SNOWSTORM 



A chilling rain to hail and sleet may change 

And then entirely snow with large light flakes 

That gently fall, or sail, or balance well 

As if they fear of getting camping place 

Of ranking crystals, vigils o'er the host. 

But other flocks appear to hesitate 

In study mood, deciding whether they 

Shall rest upon the naked bows, or limbs 

Of evergreen, upon a roof, or fence. 

Or weed, or log, or light upon the ground. 

This mantle pale comes stealthily as creep 

Of rising tide. All objects seen from sky 

Must don their sagely ermine. Providence 

Provides the blanket down protecting plants 

That slumber o'er the ground. Impartially 

The branches loaded, bending 'neath the bright 

Cold burden, look as though their foliage 

Developed into sparkling silver foam 

That more than covers, piles, and hangs from twigs. 

When clouds are shorn of fleecy treasures, moon 

Looks cold and night is still, but lighted clear 

By friendly orb to almost perfect day. 

36 



Winter 



The country lies with ev'ry hill and vale 
Enrobed before the space of universe: 
Its pearly white contrasts with twinkling ink 
Dome sky. With dawn of day, comes breeze that 

shakes 
The trees of splendor; crystals drop, appear 
In sunlight, like a storm of falling stars. 

DECEMBER LANDSCAPE 

When sleigh bells answer sleigh bells tuned with 

heart 
And head, the air is pure and bracing o'er 
The welcome snow which flows dark-timbered- 
lined 
Along the hills and dales horizonward. 
When good will honored true, the fellowship, 
And joy, and happiness the warmer grow 
In social uplift, making memories 
To prize forever, prized for wholesomeness 
Of festive hall, or round the open grate. 



CHRISTMAS 

The piercing air our minds with keener thoughts 

Will fill to meditate on life and death. 

The harp within the soul is turned anew 

With charity, and youth returns and glows 

With memories of laurestine and pine. 

Or cedar hung with friendly gifts and jokes. 

The stockings hung by chimney, bulge from toe 

37 



The Seasons 



Full length, are unpacked. All the world seems 

new 
To boys, and girls, as well as Santa Claus. 

II 

PHILOSOPHY FROM CHRISTMAS 

The chances come to prove our heav'nly thought 
And register appreciation full 
Of humble birth announced by angel hosts 
To wisemen, shepherds, nineteen centuries past. 
He gave to mankind highest order, apt 
For thinking out of all relations — Truth 
And Mercy meet, and Righteousness and Peace 
Have kissed each other. This reject, the world 
An unexplained riddle stands; believe 
And well explained will stand the history 
Of race. He saw the germ of good in soul. 
The leaven which will raise a kingdom known 
Of God throughout the world. This course be- 
comes 
A part of one by growth of daily deeds. 



Ill 

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IS SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY 

A thousand chances come to show divine 
Our kinship through appreciation deep 

38 



Winter 



Of nat'ral beauty poured around the earth 

At dawn to make impressive pictured world, 

Too quickly taken up by setting sun. 

Our royal blood is manifested sound 

By kindly feeling toward God's creatures all. 

With pride the heart does beat to view the path 

The mighty English race has trod in search 

Of liberty, and law. Continuous 

Beyond the power of king to chain, or crush, 

Has risen noble scorn of tyrant pride. 

Our race success, shows social smiling kind, 

With kindness, sternness blending character; 

A land of deputized Democracy; 

A land of patriots where justice lights 

The public soul, and shines from every home. 



SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY 

Our heroes wisely guard the nation's weal : 

Our statesmen voice a free Democracy. 

May tyrants ever tremble when they read 

How England, France, Italia, Japan, 

America, the whole entente fought 

To make the w^orld a safe Democracy! 

Enlightened people strongly sympathize 

With Belgium, Serbia, All-helpless-lands 

Who suffered Hun-crushed years in great world 

war. 
The sons of Freedom have subdued for aye 
The blighting German strength. With haughtiness 

39 



The Seasons 



But harmless rank, exposed, autocracy 
Has fallen. Spite must drop, forever drop 
Among the civil nations. Brother-love 
And honor, noble washes fitly crown 
The deeds of men w^ho have so much to bear, 
To live for. Hate, revenge a loss have been. 
The world should never be without its league 
For government of free Democracy. 

IV 

THE PURPOSE OF DEMOCRACY 

America's collective action marks 
Her chivalry, disinterestedness, 
Her charity, unselfish inborn mind. 
The purpose thrives, Democracy will make 
Each age much better than the last; to build 
On justice, good that will forever stand; 
To front autocracy and not to yield ; 
For present likeness shapes the future near 
And far. All national aspirations which 
Are free from elements of discord have 
A worthy claim; Eternal Peace must stand 
On Rock of Freedom — always hard won prize. 

MARSHAL FOCH 

How lofty-minded. Marshal Foch to end 
The war without the sacrifice of one 
40 



Winter 



Unneeded life! How kindly-earnest not 
To add one hour of anguish to the world! 
The world will always be in debt to France 
For this true brave and patient son who did 
Accept responsibility to meet 
The greatest foe Democracy has faced. 



America's light 

Far-visioned Wilson represents the light 
America has sent across the sea ; 
His principles a Magna Charta raise 
For mankind. Liberty, equality, 
Fraternity were first proclaimed to world 
In seventeen-seventy-six. American 
Unfolding creeds are near to nature's life; 
Her mighty leaders spring from noble hearts. 

Washington the father of his country: 
Lincoln the savior of his nation: 
Wilson the league of nations statesman: 

The shepherds for our race. How Wilson led 
America to Freedom's rescue, helped 
To purge the world of aristocracy! 
Emplants Democracy's nobility — 
The first Democracy world-citizen — 
This sacred liberty unshackled lives. 



The Seasons 



JANUARY — NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 

The New Year opening page Is closing day 

Of holiday season. Resolutions good 

And turning new leaves annually are quite 

The fashion — if, with each occasion grow 

The stronger reasons, sometime they may hold. 

A purple cloud that hangs from high in east 

Obscures many sunrise; vapor-veil 

Transparent, dims the darkest forest line 

And tints in gray the shade of ev'ry hue. 

The hand of winter never overlooks 

A crevice; flings Siberian landscape fell. 

The field is marked gracefully by road, 

Or path, or lone footprints of man or beast, 

Which wind across the sea of snow. The snow 

In sun, reflects a blinding pearly light ; 

Is fleecy cloud which snugly lays o'er hill 

And vale. When wind runs strong, the outlined 

clouds 
Of light or freshly fallen ermine whirl 
Around the buildings, fences, trees, and posts, 
About all objects rooted firm in snow. 
Or sweep across the open, bounding fringe 
From knolls, and terraced hillsides large and small, 
Behind which streaming banks are formed whose 

shape 
A.nd depth afforded cover molds by hand 
Of tireless gale. The sun which often sets 
42 



Winter 



Behind a purple long-horizon cloud, 

Bespeaks the lengthening day. On frosty days 

Designs fantastic, ferns, of net-veined leaves, 

Of puzzle pictures, decorate in full 

Or part the window pane. How warm is coat 

Of fur or feathers, age-long denizens 

The climate knows! To clothe himself, to make 

His dwelling, pristine man, the animals 

Has sought which nature clothes the warmest- 

clothed 
As if to keep the season's company. 



HOW DIFFERENT MODERN MAN 

What change in building feels the modern man ? 

How different enlightened home, where trust 

And love in personality is felt; 

Where kin are taught that social atmosphere 

Should grow to make a brighter home; where care 

And diligence in foresight rare is used 

To teach respect for things of worth, and warn 

Against degrading life which plays among 

The lower scale of mankind, lead the way 

Developing the good will spirit, choose 

Cooperation, voiced with helpful end 

In view — to conquer self; arises here 

In ev'ry one the memories to more 

And more endear the comforts, pleasures, life 

In keeping faith with home-born happiness. 

Have games true sportsmanship to plant and thrive ; 

43 



The Seasons 



Awaken healthy thought, tell stories live; 
Survey a broader reading interest, 
Of any wholesome thought pursued the hours 
Of long uninterrupted evenings. 

VI 
FEBRUARY 

How welcome peers the final period 

Of snow, which early brings the day of clouds 

Or prophet's shadow, numbering the weeks 

INDICATIONS OF THE WINTER CLOSING 

Before the season's change! The lengthening days 
Give promise, dreams of blossoms under snow. 
And active time again for animals 
And plants. The friendly snowbirds have their 

broods, 
Await to follow path of frigid grip. 
In social circles, haste is made the snow 
Enjoy as long as possible. This month 
Occur the birthda^^s honored far and wide, 
Of Lincoln, Washington ; occurs the day 
Of heart of hearts, St. Valentine's; it adds 
The leap-year genial stunts, a year in four. 
The picturesqueness, length'ning days of bleak 
Old January glide, succeeding month 
Which stalks the stormiest, most changeable 
Of year. Such frequent storms must indicate 
Old Winter's stern unwillingness to yield 

44 



Winter 



The season's rule; in anger, blows his breath 
The fiercer after sunny periods 
Of constantly increasing daylight hours; 
He piles the snow in curling banks, as though 
To thwart as long as possible the Spring 
From waking insects, flowers, grass, and buds. 
Reluctantly Old Winter see his grip 
Upon the season, loosen — augurs change. 

CONCLUSION 

The cycle tale of year's environment 

With myriads of observation points, 

With all discoveries, and weaving fast 

From their interpretation threads, must prove 

That only squared for benefit of man. 

To aid him in his upward-onward march, — 

Omnipotence has placed within our reach 

These blessings — honest work. All progress, 

truth, 
Morality, and industry go hand 
In hand. Achievement, all that man holds dear, 
Is what improves his living through the whole 
Of his activity and interest. 

What golden growth in life of Christ! How rich 
To have the priceless visions seeing God 
In all creation — glow of wealthy sun, 
In garden sweet, or hive of honey, stars 
Of night, in fountain, brook or rose, in green 
Of hills, the height of mountain, majesty 
Of ocean, boundless sky, in peace of woods, 

45 



The Seasons 



Or song of bird, in beauty crowning world 
Anew each day, in life of Christian man 
Or woman, better still, enshrined in hearts 
Of Christian home. May man be guided through 
Suggestions from the vivid pictured world, 
Suggestions from the wondrous energies, 
Suggestions from the free Democracy: 

Accept this Heav'nly Message bringing news 

Of glory toward God, of peace on earth 

That leads to know the worth of good will strong; 

Of tidings good, of joy profound to all 

The nations wisely building heart and home. 



46 



